Nepal Government has set the objective to receive two million tourists by 2020, a target that has been bolstered by encouraging annual growth of more than 25 percent in tourist arrivals from India. Hosted at the Shangri-La Hotel in the capital city, the event is the perfect opportunity for the outbound travel trade and representatives of the media to witness the warmth of Nepalese hospitality and get a glimpse of its vibrant culture. Among the many dignitaries gracing the event with their presence are Suraj Vaidya, National Convener, Visit Nepal Year 2020 and Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer, Nepal Tourism Board.

Nepal abounds with world-famous mountain trails, spiritual sites, and luxury hotels that make it the perfect destination for adventure seekers as well as leisure, business, and MiCE travellers. The Government of Nepal is fervently working towards infrastructural development in the country to support the ever-growing tourist arrivals. By 2020, it plans to operate two new international airports as well, one in Pokhara and another in Lumbini, and introduce the Airbus 330-200 to provide airline services to the growing number of tourists. The government also plans to operate Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for an additional three hours from the regular 18, to ensure continued availability of service to both incoming and outgoing tourists.

Commenting on the growing number of travelers from India to Nepal, SanJeet, Director, Buzz Travel Marketing India, says, “The Indian market continues to be one of the most important contributors of international visitors to Nepal. Over the years, there has been a steady increase in both MiCE and FIT movement to Nepal from India, a trend that led to the double-digit growth in arrivals in the previous year. Friendly relations between the two South Asian nations and Nepal’s growing focus on tourism from India have helped cement the bond even further.”

Nepal is also set to add 4000 rooms in the four and five-star categories, in Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara. A number of international hotel chains, including Hilton and Marriott, are expected to operate properties in Nepal in the coming years. These positive developments coupled with the innovative approach of the government and the tourism board are sure to make 2020 a riveting year for tourism in Nepal.